Odeon Bradford

Manchester Road,

Bradford,
BD1

The nine 2k Strand Electric fresnel-lensed lanterns (Patt. 234s) housed on the circle front, were favoured by the interior design partnership of Trevor and Mavis Stone who were brought in by Rank Theatres Ltd. to give their more prosperous Odeons a more modern look. Removal of Odeon clocks, decorative features (like Bradford’s sculptures) and most concealed and stage lighting was also characteristic of the Stones. Everything had to be plain and simple in the ‘60s. At York’s Odeon, new, plain silver screen curtains were hung, three-colour footlights removed and splay wall cove lighting disconnected. The replacement nine lanterns on the circle front were all filtered in 57 pink and the entire auditorium was painted in a neutral “biscuit” shade. As at Bradford the new lighting was dazzling, spectacular in its way but not allowing for changing/blending colours. At both cinemas, the Stones said the gels for the new lanterns could be either “57 pink” or “straw”. York chose the former while Bradford went for “straw”. Once the proverbial dust settled, the projection crew at both locations quietly reintroduced three separate circuits for controlling the pageant lighting and, once again, varying hues played on the reflective curtains and the presentation was enhanced as a result.

The 1961 closure involved the low entrance foyer ceiling being broken through into the large circle lounge above (behind the huge windows which were draped over) to create a lofty entrance (with new stairs, I think). The auditorium was repainted in subtly contrasting bands up the walls and across the ceiling. The Art Deco figures on the proscenium splays were removed and the picture-frame cove lights dispensed with. The octagonal “The Odeon” clocks were removed from either side of the proscenium and resited centrally on the rear walls of the stalls and circle. Yellow/gold spot lighting was arranged along the front of the circle, which illuminated new gold curtains and pale painted proscenium frames. The effect was garishly bright. “Tunes of Glory” was the re-opening film.